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BET Awards 2010: Alicia Keys and Nicki Minaj lead winners

Story by Jack Foley

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ALICIA Keys and Nicki Minaj emerged as the big winners at a star-studded ceremony for the 2010 Black Entertainment TV (BET) awards.

The ceremony, held at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles on Sunday, June 27, seek to honour African Americans and other minorities in entertainment and bestowed two awards apiece upon Alicia and Nicki.

Alicia won Best Female R&B Artist and Best Collaboration, which she shared with Jay-Z, while Nicki grabbed Best Female Hip Hop Artist and Best New Artist.

Nicki also picked up a third award as a member of Young Money, who took Best Group.

Other BET winners in the music category included Beyonce, who shared her Video of the Year prize with Lady Gaga, Trey Songz, who was hailed Best Male R&B Artist, and Drake, who nabbed Best Male Hip Hop Artist.

Prince was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award and R&B singer John Legend was honored with a Humanitarian Award.

Commenting on his accolade, Legend told the audience: “Poverty doesn’t have to be a trap. There’s a lot of money, fame and influence and millions of people watching around the world. I say to all of us, we can do better.”

Prince, who wore a tunic with his own image on it, commented on his awards recognition by saying: “I’m just so thankful to be a part of this world of music. Thanks for a wonderful night. I’ll never forget it as long as I live.”

Movie recognition

In the movie categories of the BETs, Oscar winner Mo’Nique added to her awards haul with another Best Actress title for her role in Precious: Based on the Novel PUSH by Sapphire.

That film’s director, Lee Daniels, also beat the likes of The Blind Side, Avatar and Law Abiding Citizen to land the Best Movie title.

British star Idris Elba was named Best Actor.

Live performances

This year’s BET prize-giving was almost overshadowed by the number of guest appearances performing live.

Kanye West kicked off the festivities with a comeback performance, while Chris Brown also stunned many by performing a live set. Indeed, he included a tribute to Michael Jackson, in the form of Man In The Mirror, which reduced him to tears.

Awards recipient Alicia Keys also performed a medley of her hits, while there were also performances from Usher, Eminem and many others.